Bell named Premier Founding Partner

June 10, 201012:00 AM PDT

Partnership based on mobile technology innovation and community investment

In anticipation of Vancouver’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS), Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Bell today announced an integrated partnership that will see Whitecaps FC players proudly wear the Bell logo, while Whitecaps FC fans will be able to stay connected with access to unique mobile content.
“Bell is the ideal partner for the Whitecaps,” proclaimed Whitecaps FC Chief Executive Officer Paul Barber. “Our ownership group is very technology-minded, and we’re excited about how Bell is going to help deliver even more ways for fans to enjoy the excitement of the Major League Soccer experience. It was important for us to find a partner who not only shared our passion for sport, but also shared our values. Bell’s commitment to the community made them a perfect fit and the clear choice to join our club as the Premier Founding Partner.”

Photo Gallery

The partnership between Bell and Vancouver Whitecaps FC represents one of the most comprehensive agreements of its kind in Major League Soccer, reflecting both the rapid growth of soccer in Canada and North America, as well as the Whitecaps status as one of the region's oldest and most famous soccer clubs.
“Coming out of the 2010 Winter Games with awesome momentum in Vancouver it was natural to partner with Whitecaps FC, a team with the capacity to excite the community from a local, Canadian and international perspective,” said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and
Chief Brand Officer for Bell. “MLS soccer is a great fan experience and we look forward to engaging the huge base of fans in British Columbia with world-class Whitecaps FC soccer and unique mobile content only Bell can deliver.”

Kit and Premier Founding Partner Announcement

Mobile content agreement
Through an exclusive agreement with Whitecaps FC and MLS, Bell mobile clients will be able to view unique Whitecaps FC content on their mobile smartphones beginning in 2011. This will include live matches, behind-the-scenes access to Whitecaps players and coaches and other Whitecaps-specific mobile applications.
Sport Innovation Council
In addition to the partnership commitment, Bell and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC ownership group will establish a Sport Innovation Council that will identify, validate, integrate and test the latest mobile technological advancements by using Whitecaps FC as an “incubator” for innovative concepts that can be developed, marketed and exported.

Media Conference

Whitecaps Foundation support
As part of its partnership commitment, Bell will also provide $100,000 per year to the Whitecaps Foundation to support youth initiatives across the province that will get kids moving and stress the importance of healthy, active living. A variety of other community and sport-based initiatives will be announced in the lead-up to Whitecaps FC’s inaugural MLS season in 2011.
Bell logo on jerseys and kits
Bell’s logo will be featured on all jerseys and training kits throughout the club, including Whitecaps FC’s W-League side, full-time Residency program and Prospects teams.
Earlier this week, Vancouver Whitecaps FC unveiled the club’s new brand and logo, as well as 2011 ticket information. The Whitecaps will begin play in MLS in March 2011 at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver. For additional information on Whitecaps FC, please visit whitecapsfc.com.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs, including Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell TV direct-to-home satellite television, Bell Home phone local and long distance phone services, and IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell is proud to be a Premier National Partner and the Exclusive Telecommunications Partner to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For information on Bell's products and services, please visit www.bell.ca. For corporate information on BCE, please visit www.bce.ca.